The Philadelphia 76ers' Kenny Thomas and the Boston Celtics' Mike James were nowhere to be found in Los Angeles during All-Star Weekend. But they have been there for their teams this season when the game is on the line and have been among the most productive players in the last two minutes and overtime. USA TODAY's Roscoe Nance and MaryJo Sylwester analyzed statistics this season when the lead was five points or fewer at the two-minute mark to determine who produces in the clutch.

Cavaliers' Carlos Boozer is emerging as one of the league's top rebounders, averaging 1.5 in the last two minutes of games.

Board chairmen

Second-year Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Carlos Boozer is emerging as one of the league's top rebounders. Only Kenny Thomas of the Philadelphia 76ers and Shaquille O'Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers average more in the final two minutes of close games than Boozer, who averages 1.5.

"Rebounds are more important if it's a close game," he says. "Each rebound, each possession is so crucial. If you can get extra possessions for your team, you have a better chance to win. You focus more on position; you focus more on boxing out. You focus more on going up with two hands."

Perfection at the line

Sacramento Kings forward Peja Stojakovic leads the NBA in free throw shooting at 92.6%. But he's even more accurate in the final two minutes of close games, hitting all 16 of his foul shots. Shareef Abdur-Rahim, recently traded from Atlanta to Portland, is also 16-for-16.

"It's just concentration," Stojakovic says. "Being at the free throw line by yourself only involves concentration. Every time I miss I'm disappointed."

Closing it out: Laker are best, Cavs are worst

The Los Angeles Lakers haven't had their Fab Four of Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone and Gary Payton together for most of the season because of injuries. But they still have the best record in close games with a 9-4 mark.

"With Shaq in the post, and when Kobe is healthy, and having Gary and Karl, we have guys who know how to play, who are proven winners and know how to get it done," Lakers point guard Derek Fisher says. "A lot of things that happen late in the game are about savvy, poise and composure. We just know how to get it done."

The Cleveland Cavaliers have won 20 games, three more than they won all of last season, even though they're a league-worst 6-14 in close games.

The Baron of ballhandling

Baron Davis of the New Orleans Hornets staked his claim to the title of best point guard in the NBA when he won the skills competition during All-Star Weekend. He also is the best ballhandler in close games with a 10-to-0 assist to turnover ratio.

"My whole thing is we're going to get a shot up if the ball is in my hands," Davis says. "There absolutely is going to be no turnovers. You have to protect the ball down the stretch. That's where you win or lose games."

James makes it count from downtown

Swingman Paul Pierce is the Boston Celtics' most feared scorer. But it is his unheralded teammate, point guard Mike James, who has the best three-point field goal percentage in the final two minutes of close games at 47%.

"He shows confidence down the stretch," Pierce says. "He hit a game winner in the second game of the season, and when you become a player who hits a clutch shot in a game or two, it carries with you throughout."

Sharpshooting teams

The Memphis Grizzlies are the most accurate team from the field in the final two minutes of close games. The Grizzlies shoot 47.6%. The Los Angeles Clippers and the Houston Rockets are right behind. Each is shooting 46.2%. "The most important thing is to be most focused in the last two minutes of the game," Clippers point guard Marko Jaric says. "Coach (Mike) Dunleavy tries real hard to make the right plays for the right guys in the right moment, and we're one of those teams that can score from all five positions."

Calling Nash's number

Dallas Mavericks point guard Steve Nash is one of the NBA's top assist men, ranking No. 3 with 8.2 a game. However, he's the player you'd want shooting the ball with the game on the line because he makes 56% of his field goal attempts in close games.

"He's a clutch shooter," teammate Dirk Nowitzki says. "He has shown it for us all year. When he shoots, I always have the feeling it's going in."

Ragnar

02-17-2004, 09:14 AM

"Rebounds are more important if it's a close game," he says. "Each rebound, each possession is so crucial. If you can get extra possessions for your team, you have a better chance to win. You focus more on position; you focus more on boxing out. You focus more on going up with two hands."

:idea:

able

02-17-2004, 09:17 AM

"Rebounds are more important if it's a close game," he says. "Each rebound, each possession is so crucial. If you can get extra possessions for your team, you have a better chance to win. You focus more on position; you focus more on boxing out. You focus more on going up with two hands."